It may not have seemed much like Christmas early in the week, with the temperature in the 80s, but by the time of Rockdale’s annual Christmas parade and party Saturday, old Santa ought to feel right at home. Full Story

Rockdale voters—well, half of you—there’s a special election for you to decide this month and early voting starts Monday.
Denise Wallace and Leroy Phillips are vying for the unexpired term of an east ward city council position that’s been vacant since September.
Election day is Saturday, Dec. 21. Full Story

Milano parade, meal postponed a week - Free Access MILANO—Due to possible bad weather this weekend, the City of Milano has postponed its annual Christmas parade and free meal, according to mayor Billy Barnett.
The events were suppose to be held this Saturday, but will now be held Saturday, Dec. 14. The parade will kickoff at 10:30 a.m. that day from the Milano football field and end downtown where a free, traditional Christmas meal will be served at the Milano Civic Center. Full Story

I magine being thousands of miles from where you grew up, on the other side of the world perhaps, awaiting the strongest typhoon ever to hit your new home country, your spouse and three small children, along with the orphans who are staying in your home instead of sleeping outside on a table where they usually sleep. Full Story

THANKSGIVING TRADITION— Members of First Christian Church held their annual free luncheon Thanksgiving Day, serving 130 persons. Plates were available to eat-in at the church fellowship hall, or for delivery. Volunteers assisting with the effort included: (L-R) Thomas Shelton, Karinn Taylor, John Elbert Fischer, Joyce Hurt, Scott Fischer, Debbie Fischer, Linda Crane, Destiny Bluford, Marilyn Cates and Rev. Full Story

SELL-A-BRATION WINNER— The winner of the Denio’s free La-Z-Boy give-away during their 30th birthday Sell-A-Bration was Carolyn Dorner (right) of Cameron. She is pictured here with Darci Denio. Full Story

COLLEGE STATION— One more win. One more round. One more celebration.
For the first time since the state championship season of 1976, the Tigers will be participating in the state quarterfinals after clipping No. 14 Coldspring-Oakhurst 21-14 Friday evening at College Station High School. Full Story

CONVERSE—When things aren’t going quite according to plan, perseverance can be a nice trait to posses.
Just dig in and hang around.
With their offense not up to par, the Thorndale Bulldogs showed a lot of that resolve Friday evening, edging Ganado 21-17 at Rutledge Stadium in a Class A, Division I, Region IV regional contest. Full Story

Business

Preserve traditions, ditch wornout decor The holiday countdown is on and it’s time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage. Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk — which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year. Full Story

IN BUSINESS Doing business as....
Business filings in the Milam County Courthouse over the past week included the following:
Assumed Names
JC-PC Inc., James D. Camp, president, dba Cameron Nursing & Rehab (v. 1,214, p. 28). Full Story

Thorndale Chamber Christmas lighting starts off season The Christmas Lot lighting on Sunday was a huge success. Drive by and take a look if you were unable to attend. The tree is beautiful and the businesses and organizations represented did an outstanding job of wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Thanks to the Communities in Concert Band for their help in leading our Christmas caroling and to the St. Full Story